Seoul:Yogiyo, the food delivery app in South Korean, has launched the country’s first ‘robot-based delivery service’, marking a groundbreaking shift in the industry. The service was introduced in the Songdo district of Incheon, about 40 kilometres west of Seoul, with plans for nationwide expansion in the future.
The service aims to revolutionize the food delivery landscape by utilizing autonomous robots to transport meals directly to customers. This innovation promises to increase efficiency, reduce delivery times, and cut down on operational costs, making it a potentially game-changing development in the sector.
The introduction of robot deliveries aligns with South Korea’s growing reputation as a global leader in technological advancements and smart city initiatives.
How this works
The robots are designed to navigate urban environments autonomously, using GPS, sensors, and advanced algorithms to avoid obstacles and ensure timely deliveries within 1.2-kilometre radius of participating restaurants. They are also equipped with secure compartments to protect the food.
The delivery robots can travel at a maximum speed of 5.76 km per hour according to related laws. Yogiyo stated that it has collaborated with an autonomous robot service provider to test the robots’ self-driving capabilities.
The service is expected to begin in select urban areas, with plans for future expansion depending on its success. Industry experts predict that robot delivery could transform the food industry in South Korea by addressing rising labour costs and meeting the increasing demand for faster, more reliable delivery services.
This move further highlights South Korea’s embrace of automation and robotics as solutions to everyday challenges, signalling the potential for broader global adoption in the near future.